What was meant to be a celebratory evening for football fans in Delhi took an unexpected turn when political discontent echoed through the stands. During the high-profile Lionel Messi event at Arun Jaitley Stadium, chants of “Haye Haye Rekha Gupta” were heard as Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta appeared on stage. Within minutes, videos of the moment flooded social media, triggering a heated debate over whether the chants reflected public anger over Delhi’s worsening air pollution or were a politically motivated protest. The incident has since become one of the most talked-about viral moments linked to the Messi event.
What Exactly Happened at the Messi Event?
Lionel Messi’s presence in Delhi drew massive crowds, media attention, and celebrity guests. As part of the event’s formal proceedings, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta was invited to welcome the football icon. However, instead of applause, a section of the crowd began chanting slogans that many listeners interpreted as “Haye Haye Rekha Gupta.”
Several videos recorded from different angles quickly went viral on platforms like X, Instagram, and YouTube. While some attendees claimed the chants were actually “AQI, AQI” — a reference to Delhi’s hazardous Air Quality Index — others insisted the audio clearly sounded like “haye haye,” a commonly used protest slogan in Indian political culture.
Delhi Smog as the Backdrop
The timing of the chants added fuel to the controversy. On the day of the event, Delhi’s air quality was reported in the ‘severe’ category, with AQI levels crossing 400 in several areas. Thick smog, reduced visibility, and repeated health advisories had already put the government under pressure.
Public frustration over pollution has been mounting for years, especially during winter months. Health experts have repeatedly warned that prolonged exposure to such air can lead to respiratory illnesses, heart problems, and complications for children and the elderly. Against this backdrop, the chants — whether “AQI” or “haye haye” — were widely seen as an expression of public anger.
Political Reactions and Public Debate
Opposition leaders were quick to seize on the viral clips, calling the chants an embarrassment for the government and proof that citizens are losing patience. Some political figures argued that the moment symbolized how governance failures can overshadow even global events like Messi’s visit.
Meanwhile, supporters of Rekha Gupta dismissed the episode as selective amplification by social media, claiming only a small group in the crowd raised slogans. Government sources maintained that the event was peaceful overall and urged people not to politicize a sporting celebration.
The Role of Social Media
Social media played a central role in shaping the narrative. Short clips, often recorded on mobile phones, circulated without full context. Audio clarity varied, leading to multiple interpretations of the chant. Media analysts point out that in loud stadium environments, chants like “AQI, AQI” can easily sound like “haye haye,” especially when clips are edited or compressed.
Still, the virality of the videos ensured that the controversy overshadowed many positive moments from the Messi event itself.
Why This Moment Matters
The Rekha Gupta chant controversy highlights a growing trend where public grievances increasingly surface at high-visibility events. From international summits to sports celebrations, citizens are using every available platform to make their voices heard. For political leaders, it serves as a reminder that governance issues — especially ones as immediate as air quality — cannot be separated from public life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What were people chanting at the Messi event in Delhi?
Many viral videos suggest chants of “Haye Haye Rekha Gupta,” while some reports claim the crowd was shouting “AQI, AQI” in reference to air pollution.
2. Why did the chants start when Rekha Gupta appeared?
The chants coincided with her appearance on stage, likely reflecting public frustration over Delhi’s worsening air quality.
3. Was Lionel Messi involved in the controversy?
No. Lionel Messi was not involved in the controversy, and the chants were not directed at him.
4. What was Delhi’s air quality status during the event?
Several areas in Delhi reported AQI levels above 400, which falls under the ‘severe’ pollution category.
5. Did Rekha Gupta respond to the chants?
There was no immediate public response from Rekha Gupta during the event regarding the slogans.
6. Are there verified videos of ‘haye haye’ chants?
Yes, multiple videos exist on social media, though interpretations vary due to audio quality and crowd noise.
7. What do health experts say about Delhi smog?
Health experts warn that severe pollution can cause long-term respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
8. How did opposition parties react?
Opposition leaders criticised the government, calling the incident a reflection of public anger and governance failure.
9. Did the event face disruption due to the chants?
No major disruption was reported, and the event continued as planned.
10. Why did this incident go viral so quickly?
The combination of Lionel Messi’s global popularity, political controversy, and pollution concerns made the moment highly shareable.
Conclusion
The “Haye Haye Rekha Gupta” chant controversy may have lasted only a few moments inside a stadium, but its impact has been far-reaching. Beyond debates over what was actually shouted, the episode highlights deeper public frustration over unresolved issues like Delhi’s air pollution. As the videos continue to circulate online, the incident stands as a reminder that even star-studded events cannot escape everyday realities faced by citizens. For more verified updates, stay connected with Toofan Express.
Report by Toofan Express